About
An upright biennial bearing ovate to heart-shaped, toothed, dark grey-green leaves and violet-blue flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by flat, green seed pods. When ripe, the outer covers peel away to expose silvery, paper-like discs.
About the genus
Lunaria can be annuals, biennials or perennials, with triangular-ovate leaves and leafy racemes of 4-petalled flowers in late spring and early summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Clay, Chalk, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid, Alkaline
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist but well-draibned soil in sun or partial shade. It can be allowed to self-seed if desired; unwanted seedlings are easy to remove.
PruningNot required, but faded foliage can be cut back once seedheads have been enjoyed
PropagationPropagate by seed in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free